Ms. Prell,

I just want to tell you how much I appreciated your editorial in the Wednesday Iowa State Daily. It is encouraging to have someone address the cause of a problem, rather than just the effect. Culture does have a great influence upon our behavior. Some say that today’s alcohol problem is caused by culture, tradition and addiction.

As we think about all of the potential problems caused by alcohol ­— such as health, abuse and law enforcement, to mention a few — we should ask ourselves, “Why is it so ‘cool’ to drink alcohol?” How can we maintain our intellectual integrity if we promote and glamorize a potentially dangerous substance?

In the past 100 years, our culture has at times discouraged and at other times promoted and glamorized tobacco, alcohol and gambling. In the early 1950s, tobacco was promoted and doctors in white coats appeared on television promoting a particular brand of cigarettes. Today smoking is discouraged and this has decreased tobacco use. On the other hand, alcohol and gambling were at times discouraged or at least not widely promoted. Today, both are promoted and glamorized.

Looking ahead to the next 100 years, one has to wonder which of these three products our culture will discourage and which will be promoted and glamorized.

We have to be realistic and acknowledge that some people will always drink alcohol, but if more young people like you have the courage to address the cause of this present and potentially much worse alcohol problem, the future could look promising. Otherwise, we will have to be realistic and be prepared for a culture centered on alcohol.

Bob Telleen

ISU Alum